Chaetomorpha

{{Short description|Genus of algae}}

{{Automatic taxobox

| image = FilamentousChlorophyceae SaintJosephReunion.jpg

| image_caption = Chaetomorpha antennina

| taxon = Chaetomorpha

| authority = Kützing

| subdivision_ranks = Species

| subdivision = See text

}}

Chaetomorpha is a genus of green algae in the family Cladophoraceae.Guiry, M. D. (2004). [http://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=143995 Chaetomorpha.] In: Guiry, M. D. & Guiry, G. M. (2017). AlgaeBase. Accessed through: World Register of Marine Species on 9 August 2017. Members of this genus may be referred to by the common name sea emerald.

Description

Algae of this genus are made up of macroscopic filaments of cylindrical cells.Jones, W. E. A Key to the Genera of the British Seaweeds. 1962,. Fields Studies Vol.1 no.4 pp.1 - 32 The genus is characterized by its unbranched filaments, making it distinctive; its closest relatives are branching species of the genus Cladophora.Leliaert, Frederik, et al. (2011). [http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.659.4794&rep=rep1&type=pdf Atypical development of Chaetomorpha antennina in culture (Cladophorales, Chlorophyta).] Phycological Research 59.2 91-97.

Species

Uses

These algae are popular with aquarium hobbyists. Dumping of aquarium specimens into waterways has led to the establishment of nonnative Chaetomorpha populations, which degrades ecosystems when the algae become invasive species. Biologists recommend boiling, microwaving, freezing, or desiccating aquarium Chaetomorpha before disposing of it to avoid inadvertent releases.Odom, R. L., et al. (2014). [https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/invasive-plant-science-and-management/article/alternatives-to-release-efficient-methods-for-disposal-of-excess-or-unwanted-aquarium-macroalgae-in-the-genus-chaetomorpha/082901DC56D856BE3B4E03461C1D74FA Alternatives to release: Efficient methods for disposal of excess or unwanted aquarium macroalgae in the genus Chaetomorpha.] Invasive Plant Science and Management 7(1) 76-83.

References